As a parent, you are the first line of
defense against your child's drug use. "A Parents Guide to Prevention"
published by the US Department of Education says:
"If your child is using drugs, it is important to avoid blaming yourself
for the problem and to get whatever help is needed to stop your child's
use. If you face the problem promptly, there's a good chance your child
can be helped.
Discuss drug use with your children and establish family rules. It is
extremely important to establish a clear "no drugs" mandate and to make
sure it's communicated clearly to your children.
Impose whatever course of discipline your family has decided on for
violating the rules and stick to it. Don't relent because your child promises
never to do it again."
You have the tools available to give you a "fighting
chance" against your child's potential drug use. But you must remember,
your child is subject to enormous peer pressures and your stand must be
tough and unequivocal. Drug use in any form, including marijuana, should
NEVER be tolerated.
